New Funding Opportunity Announcement for Research Centers in Minority Institutions

It’s been 5 years since the last funding opportunity announcement (FOA) for the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) was issued. Today I’m pleased to share news that the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is releasing a new FOA that will capitalize on the program’s capacity to generate new scientific discoveries in minority health and health disparities research and to stimulate the next generation of researchers from underrepresented populations in institutions that are committed to this mission.

The RCMI will continue to serve as a flagship program aimed at the development and enhancement of institutional research infrastructure necessary to conduct world-class biomedical, behavioral, and clinical research and to produce well-trained investigators from underrepresented populations who will help enhance diversity in the biomedical research enterprise.

We have modified the RCMI program to make it even stronger in the future, with more flexibility and a three-tiered research structure opportunity for basic, clinical, and/or behavioral research. Eligible institutions must award doctoral degrees in the health professions or health-related sciences, have a historical and current commitment to serving students from underrepresented populations, and receive less than $50 million in average annual NIH funds within the 3 years prior to the time of application.

Given that the single most important predictor of choosing a scientific career is whether an individual participates in a rigorous, mentored research experience, the RCMI program now enables all levels of investigators, especially new and early career investigators, to experience rigorous, mentored research experiences focused on diseases that disproportionately affect minority and other health disparity populations. At least one research project will be included, as well as funds allocated to support pilot projects by postdoctoral fellows and assistant professors.

These program changes support NIMHD’s vision to advance the science of minority health and health disparities, and I encourage eligible institutions to apply. Click here to learn more about the new RCMI FOA.

2 thoughts on “New Funding Opportunity Announcement for Research Centers in Minority Institutions”

I thought I heard it said in the RCMI webinar that recruitment funds could only be requested for more senior, accomplished investigators who could mentor junior investigators. However, I see in the FOA the following:

Research Strategy: Applicants should describe plans in the research strategy for recruiting and hiring additional research personnel that may be required to accomplish the goals of the center. This MAY include hiring of senior or mid-career investigators who have independent research support and can mentor junior investigators.”

As such, this appears to allow funding for the recruitment of junior investigators. Is this correct?